WINDHOEK – The registration of companies discharing waste or handling, transporting and involved in waste management has began, as the City of Windhoek beefs up the inspection of companies’ adherance to sustainable waste management practices in the city. City of Windhoek, which relies heavily on the scarce underground water, is concerned that a poor management of waste products could lead to the contamination of water.
“There is a lack of information pertaining to the quantities and types of waste generated and there is limited waste tracking systems in place to ensure that waste is transported to approved facilities for disposal,” said Deputy Mayor of Windhoek, Muezee Kazapua, at the commissioning of a Registration System of Waste Generators yesterday.
The commencement of Registration and Licensing System focuses on the registration of industries involved in the generation of industrial and commercial waste. “Any waste generator who is generating more than five tonnes of general waste per month, is required to be registered. Generators of hazardous waste such as health care risk waste, E-waste, waste tyres and other waste considered by the City as priority waste, need to be registered irrespective of quantities,” said Kazapua.
The City of Windhoek is asking for greater collaboration between waste generators, waste transporters and the general public to continually share the message of sustainable waste management practices to help with the City’s efforts towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The registration process includes the submission of information regarding the activities and operations of companies that generate waste, followed by inspections to ensure compliance with the set requirements. Companies such as Pupkewitz Trucks, Medi Clinic, Roman Catholic Hospital, Scrap Salvage, SwaVet and Neo Paints were found compliant and have been issued with two year compliance certificates.
Companies not yet registered have to approach the Division of Solid Waste Management, to obtain the relevant information to be registered. Kazapua said given the rapid pace of urbanisation and the high rate of consumption of products, more and more industrial waste is being generated within the city, thus putting more pressure on the council when it comes to waste management.
“In addition to the quantity of waste, industries generate hazardous waste, which if not properly managed, can cause pollution of water resources,” he said.
By Fifi Rhodes
Kazapua said Windhoek, being a water scare city, must at all times ensure that its limited water resources are not contaminated by these waste.
Windhoek City launched the Solid Waste Management Policy in 2010 under the theme “Moving towards a Green City”, which forms the foundation and framework for management of solid waste within Windhoek. Solid Waste Management Division is mandated to manage all waste generated within the boundaries of Windhoek efficiently by building capacity through ongoing education and awareness raising in different segments of the residents.